Ivan Pace Jr.

ILB · Minnesota Vikings vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers · 49 graded snaps

Replacement

Pace flashed dynamic interior blitzing and key return-game blocking, but block-shedding issues in run defense and a coverage lapse kept his grade near replacement level.

Special teams6433Run defense606Coverage575Pass rush735

The full breakdown

Ivan Pace Jr. graded out at a replacement-level 65.1 across 49 total snaps, playing primarily on special teams while rotating on defense. His biggest positive impact came as a pass rusher (73 grade), highlighted by a Q3 05:18 A-gap swim move to split a sack on Baker Mayfield and a Q3 10:19 unblocked pressure. He also executed a crucial seal block on the personal protector during an 86-yard punt return touchdown (Q1 09:00). However, his grade was weighed down by early run-defense struggles, as he was repeatedly sealed by blocks on consecutive drives in the first quarter (Q1 07:50 and Q1 07:14), and a coverage error at Q4 13:23 where biting on play-action allowed a 21-yard completion.

Strengths

A-gap blitz timing
Return-phase block execution
Interior backfield penetration

Weaknesses

Shedding second-level blocks
Play-action zone drop depth

Plays that moved the grade

+1.5Q3 05:18, 2nd & 9Blitzed the A-gap, beat the center immediately with a swim move, and split a six-yard sack.
+1Q1 09:00, 4th & 5Sealed the personal protector inside to spring an 86-yard punt return touchdown.
-0.5Q4 13:23, 1st & 10Bit slightly on a play-action fake and failed to achieve enough zone depth, allowing a 21-yard reception.

Every graded snap · 11 wins or losses, 38 routine

+1Q1 09:00 · 4 & 5 · Special teamsPerfectly executed his assignment in the wall return, sealing the personal protector inside.
-0.5Q1 07:50 · 1 & 10 · Run defenseSealed outside by the tight end, widening the run lane.
-0.5Q1 07:14 · 2 & 2 · Run defenseMeets the pulling guard in the hole but gets sealed inside, opening a lane for the runner.
+0.5Q1 06:44 · Special teamsSuccessfully seals L2 inside to help form the return wall.
+0.5Q2 04:11 · Special teamsHustles downfield on coverage and assists on the tackle of the returner.
+1Q3 10:19 · 1 & 10 · Pass rushTimes his blitz perfectly through the A-gap, coming unblocked to force a quick throw from the quarterback.
-0.5Q3 09:44 · 2 & 5 · Pass rushBlitzed off the right edge but was effectively sealed outside by the tight end.
+1

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Ivan Pace Jr.'s season grades →